The Humane Society of the United States, the Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Mo., and Stray Rescue of St. Louis, have asked the Missouri Supreme Court to block a crippling new government tax on non-profit animal shelters and rescue groups in Missouri.

The following is a statement from Lydia Sattler, Mississippi state director for The Humane Society of the United States, on a recent sentencing of 78-year-old Dawn Summers, a caregiver of a free-roaming cat colony in her community in Biloxi, Miss. who was charged with exceeding a cat ownership limit ordinance, and sentenced to 100 hours of community service/

For singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat, celebrating the holidays means being surrounded by the ones you love—including your pets. As a spokesperson for The HSUS, Caillat shares some simple tips for keeping pets safe from holiday hazards, and for bringing a new pet into your household during this busy season.

The Humane Society of the United States strongly criticized the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Oregon Trappers Association for shameful disregard of pet safety on public lands during trapping season, which began Nov. 15.

Leading scientists, veterinarians, animal advocates and others interested in the range of concerns associated with the presence of cats outdoors will convene in Marina del Rey, Calif., on Dec. 3-4, for “The Outdoor Cat: Science and Policy from a Global Perspective,” a conference devoted to the latest scholarship and knowledge on the subject.

The Humane Society of the United States and Texas Humane Legislation Network filed an amicus brief with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas asking the court to uphold the state’s new puppy and kitten mill law.

Humane Society International announced the official launch of its office in India at an event in Mumbai featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who spoke movingly about compassion for animals and the responsibility that all of us have to act with intentionality in protecting them from human-caused cruelty.

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the shooting deaths of several cats in Ethel, La.

The HSUS deployed more than 50 staff and volunteers to rescue more than 250 animals after Hurricane Sandy. Now we're sheltering more than 470 while their owners rebuild their lives. Watch the slideshow.

The Humane Society of the United States has initiated its Fill the Bowl Project, a new way for congregations to help pets and their families by adding pet food and supplies to holiday collection drives.

Membership

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to The Humane Society of the United States are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390.